medicom darth maul pics up

[MaulFan]

PBK, all valid points. I think the basis for SSC-Medi price comparison comes from the fact that both are doing the same property and that may be all that people collect that make comments regarding that. If you don't buy any of HT product or even show it interest, you'll be unaware that the price hike is inherit to overseas companies being imported, I've seen it for years because I collect Godzilla products and the absolute best ones come from Japan so it costs me $30 for a $10 figure, it's just something you have to come to live with. I personally judge item price on an item to item basis and measure it against product worth to me, if I think it seems worth what it costs and what it would mean to me is worth the monetary value, then I make the expense, which being a MaulFan, this piece most certainly is worth it, now if it could just speed up release I'd be happier.

 

[PosterBoyKelly]

PBK, all valid points. I think the basis for SSC-Medi price comparison comes from the fact that both are doing the same property and that may be all that people collect that make comments regarding that. If you don't buy any of HT product or even show it interest, you'll be unaware that the price hike is inherit to overseas companies being imported, I've seen it for years because I collect Godzilla products and the absolute best ones come from Japan so it costs me $30 for a $10 figure, it's just something you have to come to live with. I personally judge item price on an item to item basis and measure it against product worth to me, if I think it seems worth what it costs and what it would mean to me is worth the monetary value, then I make the expense, which being a MaulFan, this piece most certainly is worth it, now if it could just speed up release I'd be happier.

Yeah I collect a LOT of Japanese toys, so I know what goes into a lot of them cost wise with most of them being limited and the materials being generally more expensive. Also, a lot of Japanese companies make their toys IN Japan, not China, which costs a lot more, but brings out better quality (they feel.)

I just get tired of people thinking the prices of Medicoms are out of no where and nuts. They can be a lot, but when you put it into perspective you come to understand a lot more of WHY it costs so much.

 

[MaulFan]

Yeah I collect a LOT of Japanese toys, so I know what goes into a lot of them cost wise with most of them being limited and the materials being generally more expensive. Also, a lot of Japanese companies make their toys IN Japan, not China, which costs a lot more, but brings out better quality (they feel.)

I just get tired of people thinking the prices of Medicoms are out of no where and nuts. They can be a lot, but when you put it into perspective you come to understand a lot more of WHY it costs so much.

True enough, but for people with only domestic buying experience and limited production knowledge it's also easy to see where the ability to see what makes a Japanese made figure so much more expensive difficult, and as reasonable as your statements sound to me, I'm sure the fact that there is no concrete statement from Medicom about such things takes some cred away from your comments to some people. It's a tough thing to look at a Medicom figure and see where the price justification comes in. I think a large part of why people throw up a bigger fuss about Medi and not HT is because HT uses the same scale for figure as Sideshow, and that's a negative factor for them. I wish the SW ones were larger so that some characters would fit with my Sideshow ones, but I don't think less of them for it. Darth Vader is a damn fine figure regardless of the fact he doesn't look right with SSC Jedi Luke. I wonder how well Medi Maul will fit with Qui-Gon, but ultimately, I just see a nice Maul piece on the market that's worthy of getting some of my money to own it. I'm sure another factor is the fact that some of the material differences between Medi and SSC aren't apparent and even I can't see some and have had issues with it, but in other cases it's clear. I love Sideshow, but the material they used to act as leather on their T-800 figure isn't anything stellar by any means, but on the other side Medi's Wolverine uses very nice materials to replicate the film costuming, which drives up price for sure.

Everyone collects differently, so there will always be disaggreement. Some buy based on pieces adding to a collection, so they'll see Medi SW figs as inferior cuz they don't scale with their SSC collection. Some will buy things and see a figure as a figure and no real need for the prices they come at. Bottom line, buy how you like to buy and you'll be happy with your collection.

 

[PosterBoyKelly]

I was addressing the cost more than the choice between companies, that's something WAY insane to touch. We all have dif. tastes for sure, why argue opinions?

I can see where someone with only domestic experience comes from on it, that's why I posted. Thought some folks who thought the prices were extreme could start seeing some perspective and where these numbers come from.

 

[user 1190]

2- Japanese Market. Yeah, they're in Japan! They don't think or care as much about America or England or whoever, THEIR MAIN AUDIENCE IS JAPANESE, who are willing to shell out this money for these high quality figures. What we pay after having them imported is generally what the Japanese pay straight from the vendor! The money market there is different and contributes more to the cost than importing them does but.....

3-IMPORTING, it DOES make a difference. Look at HT, that stuff too is imported, how ccome there aren;t any complaints about their costs? $100-$150 hhhmmm sounds like Medicom too huh? But whatever, hate where you will.

Wow dude way to contadict yourself in back to back points. #2 is correct but #3 was just plain pointless. Like you said if you convert the price in Yen to US dollars its the same as we pay for these from US retailers. So how in the HELL does it being imported make a difference?

 

[Scarlet]

Point 3 is about when products are imported, they are levied. They are extra costs when a overseas manufacturer wants to bring in their products for sale to a overseas market.

tariffs are trade barriers erected by a country to protect it's local manufacturers that sells similar products. It helps to protect local manufacturers by limiting amount or cost of a product and revenue for the government.

 

[user 1190]

Point 3 is about when products are imported, they are levied. They are extra costs when a overseas manufacturer wants to bring in their products for sale to a overseas market.

tariffs are trade barriers erected by a country to protect it's local manufacturers that sells similar products.

This effects the cost of Medicome figures how? I understand who importing works, but how is that the price is the US is the same as in Japan if there is an additional cost to import these to the US? I mean just loooking around at some places you see the same figure retail in the UK for almost 50% more then in the US that is added cost for importing but when is that exta cost on the Medicom figures.

Basicly Medicom costs more, that it. Thats fine that what they want to charge but please stop with the imported items cost more stuff, its completely inaccurate for Medicom.

 

[Scarlet]

This effects the cost of Medicome figures how? I understand who importing works, but how is that the price is the US is the same as in Japan if there is an additional cost to import these to the US? I mean just loooking around at some places you see the same figure retail in the UK for almost 50% more then in the US that is added cost for importing but when is that exta cost on the Medicom figures.

Basicly Medicom costs more, that it. Thats fine that what they want to charge but please stop with the imported items cost more stuff, its completely inaccurate for Medicom.

The thing is, even tho they said retail price is $150, it DOES NOT MEAN it's for sale for $150. Medicom charge what ever they charge but the real sale price they charge is not as advertised. Medicom does not sell directly to the public but goes through distributing channels.

For example, SS sells a product $50 to the public but sell say $40 to the retailers. It's the same way as for medicom tho they dont sell directlyto the public. As new products are released, you almost NEVER see prices from Japanese or regional retailers selling at full retail. If they are advertised as $150 and you see retailers sell at $120, how much do you think medicom charge the retailers to make it worthwhile? Much less of course.

For example, if medicom decides to export it's figures to the US with sideshow being the distributor, it has to pay levy then give SS the appropriate discounts. Then Sideshow will decide to price them accordingly(tho there's a limit how low or high they can charge). See the price difference between SS's Medi SW vs Marvel import prices.

Surf yahoo auctions japan once in a while, you'll be shocked at the prices for a brand new figure compared to the advertised retailed price.

 

[Scarlet]

also, how come Sideshow always charge full retail when compared to other US retailers? Especially when it comes to Star wars?

Also let me repeat? How come that SS is charging medicom Star wars at full advertised Yen retail although they charge 2/3 of the Yen retail price to SS customers for the Marvel figures?

Probably because the Medi Marvel figures are not in direct competition with SS like the SW liscence.

 

[Anzik]

I would love to see the profit margin on both companies.
Then again, maybe I wouldn't because I'm sure I would throw up.

 

[Scarlet]

Here's a good example,
SW RAH Maul=18900 Yen, charged $150 by Sideshow

RAH Venom as Punisher= 17600Yen advertised, charged $99 by Sideshow?

Huh?

You telling me 1300 Yen is $51 difference?

 

[MaulFan]

Well before this thread blows up, thought I'd steer it back towards, hey, we're getting a kick ass Maul offered to us

 

[Scarlet]

Indeed it's a kick ass figure MF!

But I can empathise US based customers paying FULL Retail price charged by Sideshow for SW figures(especially) although other retailers(mostly regional) are charging Much less. I mean I almost always pay no more than $120 shipped in SG for just released Medi figures tho the full retail is 150-175,although certain figures(especially exclusives and callaboration efforts like Bandai x Medicom) I'd pay closer to full retail.

BUT if you want to blame anyone for making you pay full retail for SW RAH figures, blame Sideshow. I never have to pay full retail from local distributors and I dont have to pay shipping.

 

[Vader AL]

i'm sure the price is set by Medicom between them and SS in the distributor agreement. but i think this issue has been beat to death. Medi is awesome(except for Luke) but at a cost. SS is awesome at their price-point(except Rebel Hero Luke) so both are awesome, just depends on what you're willing to pay for a 12" fig. choose wisely.

 

[Scarlet]

i'm sure the price is set by Medicom between them and SS in the distributor agreement. but i think this issue has been beat to death. Medi is awesome(except for Luke) but at a cost. SS is awesome at their price-point(except Rebel Hero Luke) so both are awesome, just depends on what you're willing to pay for a 12" fig. choose wisely.

Very well said.

 

[Seth Gecko]

Well before this thread blows up, thought I'd steer it back towards, hey, we're getting a kick ass Maul offered to us

 

[Brent72]

Well before this thread blows up, thought I'd steer it back towards, hey, we're getting a kick ass Maul offered to us

Yep, that pic is all the evidence you need that this Maul figure kicks serious a$$.

 

[automaton]

the "patent leather" appearance of the inner robe is misleading... in person it looks amazing! i was totally impressed with the figure.

 

[Darth Cruel]

the "patent leather" appearance of the inner robe is misleading... in person it looks amazing! i was totally impressed with the figure.

I was going to make this point as well. It is some type of silk or nylon (likely silk), but NOT leather. The figure looks awesome in person. But it IS decidedly smaller than Sideshow's. They both have pros and cons. But both arr EXCELLENT figures. I ordered it, so I will certainly do a comparison if nobody beats me to it. I am looking forward to it.

Actually...a lot of credit has to be given for how the costume lays on the figure.

 

[Seth Gecko]

the "patent leather" appearance of the inner robe is misleading... in person it looks amazing! i was totally impressed with the figure.

As i thought.